Guideline to encourage bolstering of elderly care

BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- China's health authorities are planning a long-term care system for the elderly in light of the country's ageing population.

The National Health and Family Planning Commission revealed on Thursday that it is drafting a guideline aimed at encouraging the establishment of senior care centers and hospitals and promoting in-home services for the elderly.

The commission has formed a special work team on the issue, it said.

It also said that it is making efforts to increase monthly subsidies for old people in need and enhance care service quality for them.

The elderly population, or people at or above 60 year of age, hit 202 million in China by the end of 2013, accounting for 14.9 percent of its total population.

Currently, two-thirds of these old people live with illnesses, and more than 36 million of them are unable -- either completely or to some extent -- to take care of themselves in daily life, according to the commission.